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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for your support in arranging your child to remain home for the school’s recent Staff Development Day with literacy expert Dr Tessa Daffern, which was held on Monday 24 June 2024. Working with one of the author’s of the new NESA Spelling component of the English curriculum was a huge benefit to all staff. The school is in the process of determining our next steps with this area of the new curriculum.
CONFIRMATION LAST WEEKEND
Congratulations to all of our students who were Confirmed in the Holy Spirit last weekend. Father Joseph, the Parish team and numerous members of St Michael’s school staff supported the Confirmation candidates in many ways. As part of their learning in Year 6, every student researched an interesting Saint, whose name was often used by the student as their Confirmation name. My own Confirmation occurred in 1966 and I chose the name Peter, our first Pope.
STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS - SEMESTER 1
Families have now accessed the Student Progress Reports for Semester 1, 2024. Every child in Kindergarten to Year 6 received a formal report through Compass. As it was a new format, there were a few technical glitches which we managed prior to being accessed through Compass. Please contact the school if any clarification is required. Well done to our students for a successful first six months of learning.
NAIDOC WEEK
Each week staff from all of our Catholic schools in Wollongong receive a newsletter from the Catholic Education Office Wollongong (CEDoW) and it always commences with a spiritual theme. This week the reflection is on NAIDOC week and I believe it beautifully sums up what our Aboriginal and Torres St Islander team are trying to achieve at St Michael’s Nowra.
From CEDoW:
“Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” is this year’s NAIDOC theme that honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As we approach 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations in this post-Voice referendum year, we hold to the call in Hebrews to consider how we can spur one another onto love and good deeds in our communities.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 23-25
NAIDOC Week is an invitation for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. It also celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
Let us all be inspired by the resilience and tenacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; their encouragement to not give up, to engage, and join their efforts to bring urgent change through justice, truth-telling, treaty and genuine relationship, fighting for a better future. Non-Indigenous Australians can support by showing up, by listening, learning, and amplifying First Nations voices - this is how we add logs to the fire. May we take actions together to keep the flame of justice, truth and hope burning so all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, now and into the future, are safe, free and flourishing.
Allow this inspiration (the breath and work of the Spirit) to fan the fire that burns within each one of us and calls us to mission. Live this mission by responding to the invitation to engage, connect and celebrate with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes continued work on promoting and living reconciliation while fostering right relationships through a commitment to shared understanding. From our Catholic social teachings, we are called to stand in solidarity - to keep the fire burning – and create space to encourage First Nations people to be blak, loud and proud. It is through this solidarity that the beauty of First Nations cultures will continue to flourish, keeping the fire burning and passing it on to future generations.
Pope Francis speaks about recognising the gifts that individuals and cultures add to the richness of community:
“Unity does not imply uniformity; it does not necessarily mean doing everything together or thinking in the same way. Nor does it signify a loss of identity."
Points to Ponder
- How do I create space to listen and learn from our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers?
- How do I take action to keep the flame of justice, truth and hope burning so all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now and into the future, are culturally safe, free and flourishing?
- What do I need to do to stand in solidarity with our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers?
- How can I be a good steward of God's love to each one of my neighbours so that I may listen, learn and welcome?
This morning our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team presented a wonderful assembly where the students proudly shared numerous aspects of our rich Aboriginal culture in Nowra. Through reading, dancing, performing, singing, music, language and sharing of our Aboriginal culture, our students, staff and families celebrated the gifts of our students and stewardship of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team.
Our genuine thanks to Miss Vanessa Longbottom, Miss Zali Lonesborough, Mrs Anne Dempsey, Aunty Christine Finney, Mr Mark Mongta and Mr Ky Nolan for providing such a valuable insight to the gifts of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and our local Aboriginal culture. Thank you to the students in our school choir and Mrs Jessica Rosskelly and Mrs Jessica Dakin for their assistance with the ‘Come Together’ song. A special thank you to all students who actively participated in our assembly.
YEAR 6 CUPCAKE DAY
On Wednesday 26 June, Year Six students hosted their first fundraising event to generate funds for purchasing a graduation gift to the school, to be presented at the end of the year. Students were delighted to have raised $873.50 and look forward to organising another event to reach their goal of purchasing a drinking water fountain for the front playground. Thank you to all families for supporting this event with a special mention to Year 6 parents for generously providing the delicious treats!
CONDOLENCES TO MRS BUTLER
As you may be aware, Mrs Butler’s father, Hugues Savy, has been unwell for a period of time and entered palliative care just recently. On Monday at midday, Mr Savy passed away aged 88. While there is always great sadness with the passing of a loved one, the family are thankful that Mr Savy is no longer in pain and is at peace with our God. I visited the 3B classroom on Wednesday morning and informed the children. We said a prayer for Mr Savy, Mrs Butler and her extended family. Mrs Butler’s mother, Lilette Savy, is being supported by all of the family during this sad period of time.
I would like to thank you for your support during this difficult period of time for Mrs Butler and her family. All of the children are very fond of Mrs Butler and look forward to her return in Term 3, 2024.
I wish all students, families and staff a well earned two week holiday. School will resume on Monday 22 July 2024.
Yours in faith and virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
Confirmation Candidates may collect their poster from the church foyer at St Michael’s Church after Mass. See the Sacramental Leader for assistance.
WINTER SLEEP OUT
Father Joseph Pothenparampil
Nowra Parish Priest
|
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 July |
Year 3 Reconciliation Program Session 2 Registrations (following Mass) |
WEEK 1
| Monday 22 July |
Students & Staff return for Term 3 |
| Tuesday 23 July | |
| Wednesday 24 July | |
| Thursday 25 July | |
| Friday 26 July |
Year 3-6 Primary Athletics Carnival (Sanctuary Point) |
| Monday 29 July | |
| Tuesday 30 July | |
| Wednesday 31 July | |
| Thursday 1 August | |
| Friday 2 August |
P&F Winter Disco. Infants 5pm - 6:15pm Primary 6:30pm-8pm |
UPCOMING DATES FOR THE DIARY
| Tuesday 6 August |
Year 6 Mass with the Bishop |
| Wednesday 7 August |
Vinnies Winter Appeal Mufti Day (Gold coin donation) |
| Friday 9 August |
Year 6 Mini Vinnies Sleepout |
| Saturday 10 August |
St Michael's Working Bee 8am-2pm |
| Tuesday 13 August |
South Coast Athletics (Selected Yr 3-6 students only) |
| Friday 23 August |
Yr 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day |
| Thursday 29 - Friday 30 August |
Year 6 Canberra Overnight Excursion |
| Thursday 19-Friday 20 September |
Year 5 Leadership Camp |
Our Year 3-6 Primary Athletics Carnival has been rescheduled to Friday 26 July. As previously planned, the event will take place at Sanctuary Point Oval. Due to the postponement, the registration deadline for the competitive carnival is now extended to Friday 19 July. If you have already registered your child for the competitive events, there is no need to register again. All students however, require permission to be provided for the event on 26 July through the Compass Event Parent Portal. Please action this as soon as possible.
Fingers will be very tightly crossed that the weather will cooperate, and we will have a nice day to run the carnival.
If the carnival does not go ahead on Friday 26 July, students who have nominated for the Competitive Carnival will be taken to Nowra Showground (on a date to be advised) and participate in races for selecting students to compete at the South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 13 August.
Congratulations to Finn Goddard of Year 4, finishing the Willandra 2km Cross Country Course in a super fast time of 7minutes 19 seconds, to place third at the NSW Athletics State Cross Country Championships on Saturday 22 June.
Finn has now qualified to represent NSW at the Australian Cross Country Championships to be held in Tasmania in August. This is an outstanding achievement! Congratulations Finn! We wish you the best of luck for Nationals!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday 26 July – Year 3 - 6 Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 13 August – South Coast Athletics Carnival (Selected students only)
Friday 23 August – Year 3 - 4 Soccer Gala Day
If you have any questions about sport or upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Mr Andrew Allmark
Sports Co-ordinator
Our school canteen is available for ordering four days per week (Tuesday-Friday). I would like to remind parents/carers wishing to place lunch orders for their children for Friday to please place their order online prior to 2pm Thursday.
The link for ordering online may be found on our school website;
https://smndow.catholic.edu.au/parents/canteen/
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR WINTER DISCO
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of dancing and fun at St Michael's Winter Disco!
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 2nd August 2024
Session 1: 5:00pm - 6:15pm for Infants (K-2) Session 2: 6:30pm - 8:00pm for Primary (3-6)
Line Up
Important Information
This is a student-only and drop-off event, parents will need to drop off students at the entry and collect students from the exit point at the end of their session.
We are in need of parent helpers to assist with supervision and activities during both sessions. If you can lend a hand, please complete the following form.
Don't miss out on the fun - mark your calendars and get ready to dance the night away!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS VACANT
Our P&F Committee currently have two Executive Positions available;
Assistant Vice President
This role supports the President and Vice President for all official business and steps in if either are unavailable. eg. chair P&F meetings, award ceremonies, etc.
Grants Officer
This position is ideal for someone who is eager to help identify and apply for grants to support various school projects. The role involves collaborating with the P&F and the school to secure funding for identified projects.
If you are interested and able to assist, please send your expression of interest by completing the Google form: https://forms.gle/1Q878XBh4th9eAj1A
If you have any questions please email stmichaelspnf@gmail.com.
Grants Officer Nomination Form
WORKING BEE – SAVE THE DATE
On Saturday 10 August, from 8am to 2pm, the P&F will be hosting a Working Bee to enhance our school grounds.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated!
More information about the event will be shared shortly, along with a link to register your interest.
Let's join forces to make a positive impact for our children!
For any questions, please contact us via email stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
IT'S TIME TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN CUPBOARDS!
The P&F has allocated funds from the Easter Raffle fundraiser for the purchase of Sandpit toys and storage options for the toys. After a discussion with the School Leaders and gaining feedback from the students, it has been determined that old kitchen items are the preferred sandpit toys.
So, with this in mind, we are looking for donations of the following:
- Small lightweight saucepans or pans
- Silicone cake tins
- Jelly moulds
If you have any of these items that are taking up space in your kitchen and you no longer need them, please bring to the office.
Once we have collected donated items, the P&F will look at what is still needed and will use the funds allocated to add to this equipment. The more we have donated, the more funds we will have available to purchase better quality storage options for this equipment.
PARENT HELPERS NEEDED – YEAR 3 & 4 SOCCER GALA DAY
The Year 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day is fast approaching on Friday 23 August 2024. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist on the day. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Please email your availability to stmichaelspnf@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
St Michael's P&F Committee
ST JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL
MUSICAL PRODUCTION - THE PIRATE QUEEN
This year, St John's will be presenting the musical production of 'The Pirate Queen'.
Ahoy, maties! Avast, ye! Stop what you’re doing and come and see The Pirate Queen. Join us for a smashing musical following the exploits of Grace O’Malley (the OG Pirate Queen), set in Ireland on the sea.
What will our Pirate crew get up to? Will they conquer the open seas? Will they conquer you? There may even be a visit from a Royal Queen. Music, dancing and swashbuckling too. Shiver me timbers! We could even spot a Leprechaun or two!
CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
We are excited for Year 6 student, Jordan Sater, who will be performing in the upcoming 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory' production. Good luck Jordan!
SHOALHAVEN LIBRARIES
Shoalhaven Libraries are offering students the opportunity to win a book voucher. Click below for details.
Entries are due to Shoalhaven Libraries branch by 5pm, 16 August 2024.
Infants (K-2) students - Get creative and complete the acrostic poem
using one word for each letter of the word ‘MAGIC’. Click here for details.
Primary (3-6) students - Are your design skills up to the challenge?
Design and create a magical bookmark based on the Book
Week theme: ‘Reading is Magic’. Click here for details.
Further details are available on the Shoalhaven Football Association facebook page.